Recommendation 14

Energy suppliers have binding targets to install smart meters, enforced by Ofgem, the energy regulator. However, energy consumers are not required to accept an offer of having smart meters installed. The Department told us that it chose a voluntary, demand- led approach to the smart meters rollout because it wanted to engage consumers in the way they use energy. It said that in countries that had chosen either a mandatory or semi- mandatory approach it had led to resistance and a lack of engagement with consumers.45 However, in 2022, only one large supplier hit both its gas and electricity smart meters installation targets. This large supplier had a less than one per cent share of total actual installations by all large suppliers.46 Energy UK told us that one supplier considered that in order to meet its targets it would need to convert all consumers who had previously said no to a smart meter.47